Maltese Cross Hike: Cederberg Day & Overnight Guide

The Maltese Cross is a solitary 20 m sandstone pillar in the Cederberg — shorter and less technical than Wolfberg Arch, but fully exposed and brutally hot at midday. I hiked it on Day 4 of the five-day Wolfberg trip, with an optional wild camp at the base.

Also read: Complete Guide · Itinerary · Trek overview · Cracks day hike

At a glance

Distance	~7 km (typical day hike)
Time	3–4 hours
Start	Near Dwarsrivier Farm
Difficulty	Moderate — heat and exposure
Permit	CapeNature ~ZAR 60–100/day
Wild camp	Separate overnight permit ~ZAR 80–100

Route options

Style	Distance	Notes
Day hike return	~7 km	Most common — start early
Wild camp at Cross	Overnight	my astro photography night
Combined with Arch	Multi-day	See 5-day itinerary

The trail follows a gentle slope through Cederberg fynbos to the cross-shaped formation — easier terrain than the Arch or Cracks, but no shade for long stretches.

My experience

I started after lunch on Day 4 — not ideal in hindsight:

• Midday sun was brutal on exposed slopes
• The Cross visible from distance — pulls you forward
• Massive up close — mystical, isolated silhouette
• Wild camp beside the pillar — cold night, unforgettable stars
• Budget sleeping bag struggled — pack warm kit

Tip: Hike early morning or late afternoon, not midday.

Permits & access

• Buy at Sanddrif reception or Dwarsrivier Farm area
• Trail permit + separate wild camp permit if staying overnight
• Maltese Cross uses a different trailhead than Wolfberg Arch — confirm at reception

Details: getting there · cost guide

What to pack

Day hike minimum:

• 2–3 L water — no sources on trail
• Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Sturdy boots — rocky, uneven ground
• Snacks and lunch

Overnight add:

• Tent, sleeping bag (cold-rated), stove
• Headlamp for night photography
• Warm layers — near-freezing nights possible

Full list: packing guide

Maltese Cross vs Wolfberg Arch

	Maltese Cross	Wolfberg Arch
Distance	~7 km	~14–15 km
Technical	Moderate walk	Scrambling, Cracks
Exposure	Full sun	Mixed
Overnight	Popular camp spot	Iconic Arch camp
Best for	Shorter adventure	Bucket-list formation

Combine with other Cederberg hikes

Hike	Guide
Wolfberg Arch (5-day)	Complete guide
Wolfberg Cracks (day)	Cracks guide
Full planning slots	Trek hub

Related SA multi-day options

• Otter Trail — coastal huts
• Giants Cup — Drakensberg huts
• Boesmanskloof — Greyton weekend

Related planning

• Difficulty — heat vs Arch with pack
• Accommodation — Sanddrif cottage between hikes
• Food — stove meals at camp
• Navigation — plateau route-finding